Ukraine is preparing to send the first sample of the BTR-4KSH-T command and staff vehicle to Thailand. According to the Defense Express portal, it is intended for the Royal Navy marines of this state located in Southeast Asia.
Ukrainian BTR-4KSH-T for the Royal Thai Navy Marines.Photo: https://t.co/fRTex7xJAA pic.twitter.com/BkwMxdQMay
— Ivan O'Gilvi (@o_gilvi) November 8, 2021
The order was executed at the Kiev Armored Plant, which is part of Ukroboronprom. This variant differs from conventional armored personnel carriers of this model by an armored superstructure above the landing compartment, on the roof of which a combat module with weapons is installed.
In the near future, the APC will receive a battlefield management system and video surveillance equipment. At the end of this week, it is going to be presented to the customer.
Many foreign military experts were surprised that the marines of the kingdom decided to try out this not too successful development of the Ukrainian military complex. The machines are characterized by poor manufacturing quality, insufficient reliability, and very mediocre seaworthiness. Therefore, it is not surprising that they were rejected by the security forces of Iraq, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia and other countries.
Currently, the Thai armed forces, having previously purchased a fairly large batch of cheaper Ukrainian BTR-3E1 (based on the BTR-80), also receive Chinese VN1 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles and American Stryker armored personnel carriers.
In addition, the Marine Corps, in addition to the mentioned "triples", operates American tracked AAVP-7, LAV-150 Commando. Therefore, it is unclear why another frankly failed model was needed.
Alexey Brusilov